With about 60 million, India has the second highest number of diabetics in the world after China. And if India does not act soon the ailment may rob country of its demographic dividend. Earlier considered to be a disease of the affluent, the diabetes has spread fast among the rural poor, thanks to the unhealthy diet and reduced physical activities. It is important to create awareness among the masses and provide support for regular screening of people at risk of developing the conditions. The government needs to revisit its health promotion strategies for non-communicable diseases to increase awareness about simple and effective lifestyle changes, such as physical activities and healthy diet. Healthy food should be made available at affordable rates to make healthy choice. Regular health screening, particularly among the elderly and those at high risk is essential for early diagnosis. A recent study has shown non-communicable ailments mainly diabetes and heart disease affect people in their productive years causing low productivity and early retirement. Also this puts immense pressure on public health expenditure as in most cases the treatment costs are high compared to communicable diseases. The increasing burden could cost India heavily as it is projected to reap on account of a predominantly young population. According to another report India is set to become the world’s youngest country with 64 per cent of its population in the working age group. Diabetes affects nearly 400 million people worldwide. By 2035 this number is expected to increase to 582 million approximately. An alarming situation really!
